Giordano’s. The name alone conjures images of towering, cheesy, deep-dish pizza. It’s an institution, a Chicago landmark, and a food fantasy realized in every slice. But what exactly makes Giordano’s pizza so unbelievably good? While the recipe is a closely guarded secret, one crucial ingredient is impossible to ignore: the cheese. But what kind of cheese does Giordano’s use? This question has tantalized pizza lovers for years, and while Giordano’s keeps many of its suppliers confidential, we can explore the nuances of their cheese selection and the reasons behind it.
Deciphering the Deep Dish Cheese Blend
Giordano’s doesn’t simply grab a bag of generic mozzarella and call it a day. The cheese is integral to their overall pizza experience, providing the creamy, melty, and slightly tangy foundation upon which all the other ingredients rest. It is commonly believed that Giordano’s uses a blend of different cheeses, rather than relying on a single type. This blend is carefully calibrated to achieve the perfect flavor and texture profile. While the exact proportions remain a secret, understanding the likely components helps to understand what makes their pizza so special.
The Foundation: Low-Moisture Mozzarella
At the heart of Giordano’s cheese blend is undoubtedly low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella. This type of mozzarella is a workhorse in the pizza world. It melts beautifully, stretches significantly, and has a mild, milky flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. The “low-moisture” characteristic is particularly important for deep-dish pizza. Excessive moisture can make the crust soggy and prevent the cheese from achieving that signature golden-brown top. Low-moisture mozzarella provides the structural integrity for the cheese layer, allowing it to stand tall and ooze appealingly.
Adding Complexity: Whole Milk Mozzarella?
While low-moisture mozzarella provides the base, it is likely that Giordano’s incorporates a smaller proportion of whole milk mozzarella. Whole milk mozzarella brings richness and a creamier texture to the blend. It melts slightly differently than its low-moisture counterpart, contributing to the overall mouthfeel of the pizza. The higher fat content also enhances the flavor, adding a subtle sweetness and depth. The addition of whole milk mozzarella is not confirmed, it is a logical addition to enhance the cheesy characteristics.
The Tangy Twist: Provolone’s Potential Role
Another cheese that might contribute to Giordano’s unique flavor profile is provolone. Provolone, especially a mild variety, offers a slightly sharper, tangier flavor than mozzarella. A small amount of provolone in the blend can add complexity and prevent the cheese from tasting one-dimensional. The subtle tang cuts through the richness of the mozzarella and other toppings, creating a more balanced and interesting flavor experience. Provolone also melts well, although it can become stringier than mozzarella, so its use, if any, is probably carefully controlled.
The Importance of Cheese Quality
Beyond the specific types of cheese used, the quality of the cheese itself is paramount. Giordano’s built its reputation on using high-quality ingredients, and the cheese is no exception. Freshness, flavor, and consistency are all crucial factors.
Freshness Matters
The fresher the cheese, the better it will taste and melt. Freshly made mozzarella has a brighter, cleaner flavor and a smoother texture than cheese that has been sitting for a long time. Giordano’s likely has established relationships with reputable cheese suppliers who can provide a consistent supply of fresh, high-quality cheese. The freshness impacts the overall pizza quality.
Flavor Profile
High-quality mozzarella should have a clean, milky flavor with a subtle tang. It should not taste sour or bitter. The flavor of the cheese should complement the other ingredients on the pizza, rather than overpowering them.
Consistent Texture
Consistent texture is essential for ensuring that the cheese melts evenly and provides a satisfying mouthfeel in every bite. Variations in moisture content or fat content can affect the melting properties of the cheese, leading to uneven browning or a greasy texture. By using high-quality cheese from trusted suppliers, Giordano’s can maintain a consistent texture in their pizzas.
How the Cheese is Used in Giordano’s Deep Dish
The type of cheese is only part of the equation. How the cheese is applied to the pizza is equally important. Giordano’s is known for its generous layer of cheese, which is strategically placed to maximize flavor and texture.
The Cheese Layer
In a Giordano’s deep dish, the cheese isn’t just sprinkled on top. It’s a substantial layer, forming a barrier between the crust and the sauce. This layer of cheese helps to prevent the crust from becoming soggy and provides a creamy, melty base for the toppings. The depth of the cheese layer is what many customers adore.
Placement and Coverage
The cheese is carefully spread across the entire surface of the pizza, ensuring that every bite is filled with cheesy goodness. Attention to detail is important to prevent burned crusts or toppings.
Baking Perfection
The baking process is crucial for achieving the perfect cheese melt. The pizza must be cooked at the right temperature for the right amount of time to ensure that the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. Too little time and the cheese is not melted, too much time and the cheese starts to burn.
Beyond the Cheese: Other Factors Contributing to Giordano’s Success
While the cheese plays a vital role, it’s important to remember that Giordano’s pizza is more than just cheese. Other factors contribute to its overall deliciousness.
The Crust
Giordano’s crust is thick, buttery, and slightly flaky. It provides a sturdy foundation for the generous toppings and helps to create the signature deep-dish experience. The crust is a vehicle, however, it is also an important flavor.
The Sauce
The sauce is rich, flavorful, and slightly sweet. It’s made with high-quality tomatoes and a blend of herbs and spices. The sauce perfectly complements the cheese and other toppings. The sauce to cheese ratio needs to be perfect.
The Toppings
Giordano’s offers a wide variety of toppings, from classic pepperoni and sausage to more adventurous options like spinach and mushrooms. The toppings are always fresh and flavorful, and they are carefully selected to complement the cheese and sauce. The toppings need to be high quality.
The Secret Recipe
Of course, the real secret to Giordano’s success is their proprietary recipe. This recipe, which has been passed down through generations, dictates the exact proportions of ingredients, the baking time and temperature, and all the other details that make Giordano’s pizza so special.
Replicating the Giordano’s Cheese Experience at Home
While duplicating the exact Giordano’s experience at home may be impossible without access to their secret recipe and suppliers, you can approximate the flavor and texture by following these tips:
- Use a blend of low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella and whole milk mozzarella. Try a 3:1 ratio for a start.
- Consider adding a small amount of mild provolone for a tangy twist.
- Buy the highest quality cheese you can find.
- Make sure your cheese is fresh.
- Use a generous amount of cheese.
- Bake your pizza at a high temperature until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
The Enduring Appeal of Giordano’s Cheese
Ultimately, the enduring appeal of Giordano’s pizza comes down to its combination of high-quality ingredients, careful preparation, and a secret recipe that has been perfected over decades. The cheese is a vital component of this equation, providing the creamy, melty, and flavorful foundation that makes Giordano’s deep-dish pizza so irresistible. While the exact cheese blend remains a mystery, understanding the likely components and focusing on quality ingredients will help you appreciate the artistry and deliciousness of Giordano’s pizza. The exact blend is likely a closely guarded secret.
Conclusion: The Cheesy Truth, Unveiled
While the precise cheese formulation used by Giordano’s remains a closely held trade secret, it is evident that a carefully selected blend of high-quality cheeses, most likely centered around low-moisture mozzarella, forms the creamy, flavorful, and structurally sound foundation of their iconic deep-dish pizza. The attention to detail, from the freshness of the ingredients to the strategic placement of the cheese, contributes to the overall experience that has made Giordano’s a beloved Chicago institution. So, while we may never know the exact recipe, we can appreciate the masterful combination of ingredients that creates that unforgettable cheesy delight.
What makes Giordano’s deep-dish pizza unique?
Giordano’s deep-dish pizza stands apart from other pizzas due to its unique construction and ingredients. Instead of a typical crust, it features a buttery, flaky dough that is pressed up the sides of a deep pan, forming a kind of crust “bowl.” This allows for an incredibly generous amount of cheese, toppings, and sauce, creating a substantial and satisfying pizza experience unlike any other.
The order of assembly also contributes to its uniqueness. Unlike a traditional pizza, the cheese goes in first, followed by the toppings and then a layer of tomato sauce on top. This method ensures the cheese melts perfectly and doesn’t burn during the longer baking time required for a deep-dish pizza. This distinct approach results in the signature, overflowing, cheesy delight that Giordano’s is famous for.
What types of cheese does Giordano’s use in their deep-dish pizza?
While the exact cheese blend is a closely guarded secret, Giordano’s primarily uses a generous amount of Wisconsin mozzarella cheese in their deep-dish pizza. They are known for their commitment to high-quality ingredients, and Wisconsin mozzarella is renowned for its creamy texture, excellent melting properties, and mild flavor, all of which are crucial for creating the signature gooeyness of their pizza.
Beyond mozzarella, it is widely speculated that other cheeses may be incorporated in small amounts to enhance the overall flavor profile. Possibilities include provolone for its slightly sharper taste or Parmesan for a hint of nutty complexity. However, the exact composition remains a mystery, adding to the allure of Giordano’s unique recipe.
How long does it take to bake a Giordano’s deep-dish pizza?
Baking a Giordano’s deep-dish pizza is a significantly longer process compared to a thin-crust or pan pizza. Due to the sheer volume of ingredients and the thickness of the crust, it typically takes between 35 to 45 minutes in a specialized oven to ensure the crust is fully cooked and the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
This longer baking time is essential for achieving the characteristic texture and flavor of a Giordano’s pizza. It allows the flavors to meld together, the cheese to become wonderfully gooey, and the crust to develop a golden-brown color and a crispy, slightly caramelized texture. Careful attention to temperature and baking time is critical for the ultimate deep-dish experience.
Can I order a gluten-free deep-dish pizza at Giordano’s?
Yes, Giordano’s does offer a gluten-free deep-dish pizza option. This allows individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease to enjoy a version of their signature pizza. The gluten-free crust is specially made to mimic the texture and taste of their traditional crust, while excluding any gluten-containing ingredients.
It’s important to note that while Giordano’s takes precautions to minimize cross-contamination, their kitchens are not entirely gluten-free. Therefore, those with severe allergies should exercise caution and inform their server when ordering to ensure appropriate measures are taken. The gluten-free option provides a delicious alternative for those seeking to enjoy the deep-dish experience.
What are some popular topping combinations for Giordano’s deep-dish pizza?
Giordano’s offers a wide range of toppings, allowing customers to customize their deep-dish pizza to their liking. Some of the most popular and classic combinations include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers. These traditional toppings complement the rich cheese and tomato sauce, creating a balanced and flavorful pizza.
For those seeking more adventurous options, Giordano’s also offers toppings like spinach, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and even chicken. The “Special” is a popular pre-configured option that typically includes sausage, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers. Ultimately, the best topping combination is a matter of personal preference, and Giordano’s encourages customers to experiment and create their perfect deep-dish masterpiece.
How does Giordano’s ensure the quality of their ingredients?
Giordano’s places a high priority on sourcing high-quality ingredients for their deep-dish pizzas. They work closely with trusted suppliers to ensure that they are using fresh, flavorful, and consistent ingredients in their recipes. From the Wisconsin mozzarella cheese to the vine-ripened tomatoes used in their sauce, quality is a key consideration.
Furthermore, Giordano’s maintains strict quality control standards throughout the production process. This includes regular inspections of their ingredients, careful monitoring of their cooking processes, and ongoing training for their staff. By adhering to these rigorous standards, Giordano’s aims to deliver a consistently delicious and satisfying deep-dish pizza experience to their customers.
Can I order Giordano’s deep-dish pizza for delivery nationwide?
While Giordano’s has several locations primarily in the Chicago area, they also offer nationwide shipping of their deep-dish pizzas through their website and partnerships with online retailers. This allows pizza lovers across the country to experience the taste of Giordano’s, even if they don’t live near a physical restaurant location.
The pizzas are typically shipped frozen to ensure they arrive in optimal condition. Customers can then bake the pizza in their own oven, following the provided instructions, to enjoy a fresh and authentic Giordano’s deep-dish experience. Nationwide shipping makes it possible to share the cheesy delight with friends and family, regardless of their location.